Gianluca Nani has had his say on Simone Zaza’s struggles at West Ham.
Former West Ham United technical director Gianluca Nani has told Tutto Mercato Web that he is surprised by Simone Zaza’s struggles with the Hammers.
Zaza, 25, was snapped up on a season-long loan deal from Juventus back in August, with Slaven Bilic landing the Italian to boost his strikeforce following a summer-long search for a goalscorer.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic speaks with Simone Zaza
The 6ft 1in centre forward hit eight goals in 24 games for Juventus last season, meaning some fans were excited about his arrival at the London Stadium – but so far, it’s been a disastrous move for club and player.
Zaza has yet to find the net for West Ham in any competition, and has now gone 432 of Premier League action without finding the net as his wait for a goal goes on and on.
West Ham United’s Simone Zaza looks dejected
Given that West Ham are obliged to make Zaza’s deal permanent once he plays 14 games for the club – which is five games away – there are major questions over Zaza’s future with the Hammers ahead of the January transfer window.
With so much being said about Zaza’s struggles in East London, his compatriot Gianluca Nani has now had his say, having spent nearly two years as West Ham’s technical director between 2008 and 2010.
Nani spoke to Tutto Mercato Web about Zaza, stating that he is surprised by his struggles, as he would have bet on the striker being a success in England.
Former West Ham United technical director Gianluca Nani
Nani did though note that English football is ‘intense’ and ‘non-stop’ in comparison to Italian football, and whilst he can earn a permanent deal at West Ham, Nani suggested that not many Italian players do well outside of Italy; only four players in the Italian national team squad play outside of Italy, suggesting that Nani may well have a point.
“I’m surprised, I would have bet on the success of his performance,” said Nani. “In England the football is intense, non-stop, with a different spirit. He could have the opportunity to continue the experience, if he does well, but not many do so well abroad,” he added.
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